My house

I thought I would post a few pictures of my living area/dining room. This is very much an ongoing process, there are still so many things I want to change. Such as a new pair of curtains for the French doors, and a glossy centrepiece bowl for the coffee table. I am debating whether to paint the walls a contemporary grey...
This quote says it best:

"Style isn't necessarily a finished product so much as it is an ongoing process" -  from 'Undecorate' by Christine Lemieux.

High gloss or semi gloss?

Today I had a second appointment with Kitchen Elements to discuss getting a new kitchen fitted in my house. Today was to see the plans and look at the prices.  I don't have a massive budget and so I was very disappointed that I might not be able to have a high-gloss finish. I am notoriously picky when it comes to quality fittings and although the semi-gloss is good, it will never be the high-gloss I want. High gloss will bounce the light around my small galley kitchen and it will create a timeless look.  I'm going to have to start saving if I am going to get the kitchen I want! It's not immediately obvious in pictures, but see if you can spot the difference:

The first picture is semi-gloss:

 

High gloss:

Sarah 101

I am avid follower of the Living Channel’s “Sarah 101” with fun-loving design-duo Sarah Richardson and Tommy Smythe.  I love the pair’s use of contemporary upholstery on vintage furniture. One of my favourite episodes so far has been “the vibrant living room”. I don’t know about you, but I wish I had my own Tommy Smythe to get excited about home wares with.

Replica Eames/Saarinen Organic Chair

Zuca has brought out these lovely replica Replica Eames/Saarinen Organic Chairs in three different colours - brown, walnut grey and white. I already own the well-known Eames moulded side chair in my dining room and if they are anything to go by,  they look as good as the original. If you want the designer look on the cheap, I definitely recommend checking out their range.

Citta Design bedspread

I love this bedspread by Citta Design and am thinking about purchasing it for the main bedroom.  You might have seen it pictured in this month's issue of Your Home and Garden.
I think the subtle geometric pattern will work well with the patterned feature wall - in fact they are very similar. I already purchased an ottomon in a liquorice grey for the end of the bed so I think it will all tie in nicely.

Book Depository

One of the best places I have found to buy design books is http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/.  It is an online shop based in the UK with FREE worldwide delivery.  With the current exchange rate, books end up being substantially cheaper than buying them in a New Zealand book shop. Sorry Whitcoulls.  The postage is also very good, usual wait time is just over a week.
Some of the great books I have bought and love are:

Bedroom styles

I am currently reading Module 12 of my Interior Design course work (the last module – can’t believe I’m nearly finished!) and it is about bedrooms and bathrooms.  There is a summary of several different bedroom styles which I think is a great reference tool for me to refer back to. I found a few pics to illustrate the different styles. I personally love eclectic.

Summary of some bedroom styles

1. Cottage

Small prints, fine stripes, coordinating plains, iron or pine beds, rugs, stencils, clutter, cosiness.

2. English Country

Spacious solid furniture with a mellow patina, space, simplicity, gentle colour, hard floors, rugs, subtle patterns.

3. Victorian

Brass beds, mahogany, four posters, rich fabrics, handsome furniture, strong use of colour, pelmets, carpets, water jugs and basins, collections of memorabilia, paintings, lace, lamps.

4. American Country

Polished floors, rag rugs, patchwork quilts, comfortable chairs, cushions, check cottons, matching curtains and blinds, no harsh colours.

5. Townhouse

Well-utilised space, clever storage, neat architectural lines, maximum light, tailored, carpeted, recessed downlights, paintings.

6. International

Extravagant, dramatic, streamlined, objèts d’art, invisible lighting, sophisticated technology for TV, stereo, video, classic furniture.

7. Eclectic

Highly personal, old and new together, inspired by a variety of sources and influences.

8. Oriental

Simplicity, slat bed, screens, private, hard floors, low furniture, calming, balanced, natural materials, limited colour.

9. Mediterranean

Tiled floors, plaster walls, controlled natural light, shutters, splashes of clear colour, wool or cotton rugs, timber furniture either natural or painted.

Designers Guild wall paper

I have my eye on this Designer's Guild wall paper for the main bedroom as a feature wall, but it costs a whopping $205 a roll!! I was thinking as a cheap alternative I could make a stencil of the the pattern, or better yet create my own pattern, and then spray paint it on the already white wall.  I think it will be just as effective and less than half the price.  I'll let you know how I get on.

Port hole mirrors from Freedom Furniture

I found these great porthole mirrors in the Freedom Furniture sale, down to $47.95. I bought a couple for the entrance hall, they will look great above my book shelf.

Corso De'Fiori

I just want everything in Corso De'Fiori.